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Osho on Should children be allowed to choose consciously whether and when to take sannyas?

Should children be allowed to choose consciously whether and when to take sannyas?

Sannyas is not a choice for the conscious; it is a medicine for the unconscious, a path to unconditioning that allows the authentic essence of children to blossom.

— Osho
Synthesized from Source practice
Core Insight:
According to Osho, children need not choose or wait to take sannyas consciously; in fact, no one does. If you were already conscious, sannyas wouldn’t be needed. Sannyas is medicinal—an initiation toward awareness and a process of unconditioning—so don’t prevent children. They are often more authentic than adults asleep with open eyes; let initiation begin and consciousness flower later.
Kids can take sannyas even if they don’t fully understand, because it’s like starting a medicine that helps you wake up over time.
Why this matters practically
- Starts growth without demanding perfection or understanding upfront.
- Encourages unconditioning and authenticity rather than rigid discipline.
- Supports families to nurture awareness together, gently and early.
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